A Hornsey landlord has been fined £2,500 for letting out a property that posed a “high risk” to those living there.

The three-storey property in Hornsey Park Road did not have adequate fire protection and detection system in place.

The landlord was fined after it was discovered that he was letting out the property to seven unrelated tenants without the necessary licence.

The kitchen facilities were also deemed insufficient for the number of tenants.

Under Haringey Council’s House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) scheme, landlords who let properties to three or more unrelated tenants living together, and who share a bathroom or toilet facilities as well as a kitchen, must obtain a licence.

The landlord tried to appeal the fine, but the initial decision has been upheld.

Cllr Dana Carlin, Haringey’s cabinet member for housing services, private renters and planning, said: “The council’s HMO licensing scheme is there to protect residents and ensure they are living in homes that are safe, well managed, of good quality and most of all, compliant.

“As shown by this case, those who do not comply with their obligations will face tough consequences.

“The health and safety of residents is of utmost importance, and we will do everything we can to fight for renters’ rights and to strengthen the quality of Haringey’s private rented sector.” 

Landlords who fail to comply with Haringey’s HMO scheme can also be issued with an order to return the rent paid by tenants while the property was unlicensed.

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